What is a SaaS Merchant Category Code (MCC)?

When a merchant account is established, a Merchant Category Code (MCC) is a four-digit classification assigned to a business by its acquiring bank or payment processor. It categorizes a business by the types of products or services it offers, according to the ISO 18245. 

For a SaaS company, the MCC informs card networks like Visa and Mastercard of the type of software business you operate. The presence of an appropriate MCC for a subscription software company can influence aspects such as transaction approval efficiency, applicable fee structures, and the frequency of payment disputes.

Since there is no single universal code for every software business, the correct one depends on what you really sell.

• MCC 5734 (Computer Software Stores): This is intended for merchants mainly focused on retail sale of computer software, including off-the-shelf programs, operating systems, and business software like accounting or CRM applications. Many subscription-based SaaS enterprises are under this category.
• MCC 7372 (Computer Programming, Data Processing, and Integrated Systems Design): This code is for merchants supplying data processing and related consulting services, which would cover SaaS companies that focus on development, data services, or have a significant professional services component.
• MCC 5817 (Software Applications, Excluding Games): Typically for app-based or digitally delivered software models.
• MCC 5045 (Computers, Peripherals, and Software): More appropriate for companies that deal in hardware distribution along with software.
• MCC 7311 or other niche codes: But if your SaaS offering is combined with advertising, marketing, or other services, then these codes may come into play.

인터체인지 수수료는 모두에게 동일하게 적용되지 않습니다. 카드 네트워크는 위험 수준에 따라 다른 요율을 책정하며, 소프트웨어/디지털 상품 카테고리는 일반 소매업과 다른 가격 책정 구조를 가질 수 있습니다. 이 외에도, 귀하의 MCC(가맹점 분류 코드)는 위험 프로필을 정의하고, 거래의 사기 모니터링 및 분쟁 비율 해석에 영향을 미칩니다. SaaS 기업의 특정 주체에 할당된 위험 분류와 실제 위험 프로필 간의 차이는 적용 가능한 수수료 또는 차지백 임계값의 변화와 연관될 수 있습니다.

Begin with your main source of income: 구독 소프트웨어 라이선싱, 맞춤형 개발 또는 이들의 조합. 결제 처리 업체에 직접 문의하거나, 공식 결제 네트워크 분류 목록을 확인하거나, MCC 조회 도구를 사용하여 현재 코드를 확인하세요. 5734 및 7372와 같은 코드의 공식 정의에 따라 비즈니스 설명을 조정하고, “소프트웨어 제품”과 “소프트웨어 서비스”의 차이가 결정적인 ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌요소가 될 수 있음을 기억하십시오.

If there is a perceived discrepancy with your MCC, contacting your 매입 은행 or payment processor support is the established procedure, as merchants are not allowed to modify this information. 

You should be prepared to clearly describe your main business activity and “back it up” with supporting documentation like your website, product descriptions, or sample invoices. 

the 결제 처리자 will check your request and adjust the code if the evidence shows a different classification. A manual review by the processor is generally involved in this process segment, contributing to its potential time frame.

Revisit your MCC whenever your core business model changes significantly, such as when you launch new product lines, change from self-serve software to custom implementation services, or add hardware to your offering. The initial codebase of a company that formed as pure 구독 소프트웨어는 and included consulting-heavy custom integrations could be considered in the context of its business requirements.